Dear GCC Parents/Guardians & Students,
GCC School Musical Stage Mural
Since GCC first opened its doors in 1997, our annual school musical has been a cherished tradition and a highlight of the school year. More than just a performance, it is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and school spirit. Each year, students from across all year groups come together to showcase their talents in acting, singing, music, and production, contributing to an unforgettable experience for the entire school community.
We are very excited to share with you our proposed mural for the stage panels in the B Block Social area which captures the long history of musicals in GCC and emphasises its vital role in enriching school life, building confidence, friendships, and a deep sense of pride and belonging. It will continue to be a source of joy and inspiration for all involved.
Congratulations to GCC 2025 Graduate Toby Tangney
We would like to congratulate 2025 GCC graduate Toby Tangney who received a Quercus Innovation/Entrepreneurship Scholarship at the Quercus Talented Students’ Awards Night on Tuesday 28 October in the Aula Maxima, UCC.
The new scholars were presented with a silver acorn pin as a symbol of their Quercus Scholarship and the school received a Quercus plaque to display. Toby is pictured below at the awards ceremony with GCC Principal Ronan McCarthy and Professor Stephen Byrne, UCC Deputy President and Registrar.
Congratulations to EJ Paras 5th Year [Rang Eabha]
We are delighted to share that EJ Paras has been invited to the Annual National Awards Ceremony in recognition of his outstanding achievement in his Junior Certificate Graphics. EJ has been ranked among the Top 10 Graphics students in the country, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects his dedication and talent. He will be honoured with a Medal and Certificate of Achievement at the prestigious event hosted by the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (ETTA) in Galway on Saturday, 22 November 2025.
GCC Annual Mass of Remembrance
Our annual Mass of Remembrance was held after school today, bringing together staff, students, parents, and members of our wider school community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this special occasion.
A heartfelt thank you to our Chaplain, Marie McInerney, for organising such a thoughtful and moving service. Our talented students contributed beautifully through readings, music, and prayers of the faithful, creating a truly meaningful atmosphere. Special thanks also to Ann Mannix for her continued dedication in guiding our musicians and singers. This event holds a special place in the life of our school, offering comfort and hope to all who are remembering loved ones, particularly during the month of November.
GCC Safe Routes to School
Parents and students may recall that back in 2021, the school made an application to the Safe Routes to School Funding Scheme, supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA). This programme aims to enhance safety, convenience, and public amenity for all road users through the improvement of front-of-school areas and routes to schools.
The school has been informed that the works, which will be carried out by McGinty & O’Shea Ltd, will commence next Monday 10 November and will continue for approximately 3 months. Please note that Traffic Management measures will be in place throughout the duration of the works to ensure the safety of all road users and workers. These improvements aim to create a safer, more efficient and accessible transport network for the community. Please click on the links below to view an information letter from McGintys as well as the screening report and scheme drawings for the project.
McGinty & O Shea – Safe Routes to School
Screening Report & Scheme Drawings
MTU Bishopstown Campus Open Day Friday 14 November 2025
MTU’s Open Day is an ideal opportunity for prospective students, their parents and guardians to sample the enormous range of courses and facilities on offer. MTU offers 123 CAO course options for 2026, the open day in Bishopstown is from 9.30am-2.30pm. As a school, we are facilitating the opportunity for students to attend the open day by not having classes on Friday the 14th.
We are encouraging all of our 6th year students to make their own way to MTU. We strongly advise students to plan ahead for the talks and seminars they wish to attend. Traffic in the area can be heavy on this day so we advise to be there early. Any information needed for the day is on Google Classroom or via this MTU link https://mtu.ie/opendays/cork/
MTU has other campus open days, dates and details via this link https://mtu.ie/opendays/
If any 6th year student does not wish to attend the open day we will have a student center open for 6th year students from 8.50 to 1pm.
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 10 to Friday 14 November 2025
Please click on the link to view the Activities of the Week beginning Monday 10 to Friday 14 November 2025:
GCC Activities of the Week Monday 10 to Friday 14 November 2025
GCC Oide Staff Child Protection Training Thursday 13 November 2025
A reminder to parents and students that mandatory Child Protection Training takes place for all GCC staff next Thursday 13 November. As a result the school will be closed to all students. This training is required to ensure we remain compliant with statutory requirements and continue to uphold the highest standards of care and safeguarding within our school community. We thank parents for their cooperation with this important aspect of our professional responsibilities.
GCC Upcoming Calendar Events – November/December 2025
| Friday 7 November | Mass of Remembrance for deceased staff and students of GCC | @ 1pm |
| Wednesday 12 November | Information Seminar on LCA & TY for parents of 3rd Years | @ 7pm |
| Thursday 13 November | Oide Staff Child Protection Training | School closed to students |
| Wednesday 19 November | GCC PPT Meeting for 6th Years | 4.15pm – 6.45pm |
| Thursday 27 November | GCC Staff Meeting | 4.00pm – 5.50pm |
| Wednesday 3 December | GCC PPT Meeting for 6th Years | 4.15pm – 6.45pm |
| Monday 8 December | 1st Years 2026-2027 Subject Choice Seminar | @ 7pm |
| Tuesday 9 December | Seminar on Subject Choice in 5th Year for parents of TY & 3rd Years | @ 7pm |
| Week of Monday 8 – Friday 19 December |
GCC Christmas Exams | Results issued to parents on Tuesday 23 December |
| Monday 15 December | GCC Board of Management Meeting | @ 4.30pm |
| Monday 15 December | GCC Parent’s Council Meeting | @ 7pm |
| Monday 22 December – Friday 2 January | Christmas Holidays |
Reminder:
GCC WSE-MLL Report
Please click on the link to view the WSE-MLL report following our inspection back in March. While much of the information in the report was shared during the feedback sessions with the lead inspectors in April, it is important to acknowledge the strong performance of the school across all areas of the inspection. GCC continues to perform at a consistently high level, driven by our exceptional staff, our wonderful students and the commitment of our parents to the school.
Glanmire Community College [ 76064F] WSE-MLL Report
The Board of Management, on behalf of the school, now has the opportunity to respond formally to the report, comment on the content, and highlight the follow-up actions which we propose to take following the visit.
